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Effective 1 April, eligible parents can receive up to 30 weeks of government-paid parental leave within their child's first year.
Eligible working parents with babies born on or after 1 April will be able to receive up to 10 weeks of shared parental leave, Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Thursday (26 March 2026).
This is according to a report by The Straits Times, published on the same day. HRO has reached out to MSF for a statement and will update this story once received.
The move builds on enhancements first announced in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally 2024. It marks an increase from the six weeks of shared leave introduced when the scheme began in 2025.
Under the updated scheme, the shared parental leave will be provided on top of existing maternity and paternity entitlements. In total, eligible parents can receive up to 30 weeks of government-paid parental leave within their child’s first year.
According to The Straits Times, MSF said the 10 weeks of shared leave will, by default, be equally divided between both parents. However, couples may mutually agree to adjust the allocation depending on their caregiving needs. The Ministry added that employees should inform their employers early to support planning and work arrangements.
The shared parental leave must be taken within 12 months of the child’s birth, and only after parents have fully used their government-paid maternity or paternity leave.
If parents are unable to reach an agreement on how to split the leave, they may take it as a continuous block within the first 26 weeks of the child’s birth, according to the report. In such cases, MSF said a minimum notice period of four weeks is required.
For a full guide on the shared parental leave scheme, refer to HRO's handy guide here.
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Infographics / Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
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